When it was announced Hollywood was working on a live-action film called Detective Pikachu, it sounded like a joke. Indeed, most people assume it was the sort of film that would quietly die in development and everyone involved would later wonder what on earth they were thinking about. However, then it got a massive shot in the arm when Ryan Reynolds signed up to be the voice of Pikachu.

Now the first trailer has arrived and dare we say it, it actually looks quite fun! Well, it looks utterly bizarre, but also fun, although some purists may not appreciate Pikachu’s newfound verbosity and wisecracking skills.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘The first-ever live-action Pokémon adventure, POKÉMON Detective Pikachu stars Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool, The Croods, Green Lantern) as Pikachu, the iconic face of the global Pokémon phenomenon – one of the world’s most popular, multi-generation entertainment properties and the most successful media franchise of all time. The world of Pokémon comes to life!

‘Fans everywhere can now experience Pikachu on the big screen as never before, as Detective Pikachu, a Pokémon like no other. The film also showcases a wide array of beloved Pokémon characters, each with its own unique abilities and personality.

‘The story begins when ace private eye Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son Tim to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu: a hilariously wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth who is a puzzlement even to himself. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to communicate with one another, Tim and Pikachu join forces on a thrilling adventure to unravel the tangled mystery. Chasing clues together through the neon-lit streets of Ryme City – a sprawling, modern metropolis where humans and Pokémon live side by side in a hyper-realistic live-action world—they encounter a diverse cast of Pokémon characters and uncover a shocking plot that could destroy this peaceful co-existence and threaten the whole Pokémon universe.’

The film is due in cinemas May 2019. Take a look at the first trailer and poster below.